The demands of playing football at Ibrox are known to be very difficult but incredibly rewarding, but only when the club is enjoying success.
Sure, modern players are paid very well, enjoying the lifesyle and trappings that come as a contemporary footballer as desired but given the intense scrutiny that exists at Rangers, it’s not like it comes easy.
The current crop are going through a testing period, rightly expected to respond to the adversarial times of recent months to put a dent in the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a few needing to fight and prove they are worth a future at the club. Others could and should be moved on, but that isn’t always guaranteed. With Michael Beale aiming to execute an upward curve of progress for the team, there is plenty to be done. Three wins from his first three games is a positive start but there needs to be more to come in terms of performances.
The next chance for that is against Motherwell at Ibrox on Wednesday night with the manager hoping to see more from the training pitch making its way onto the Ibrox turf in order to maximise the output from his side, as well as meeting the demand for results.
He stated when asked if a sense of momentum was gathering pace:
“I’m seeing more in training than I see in the games. I think sometimes in games the players realise that three points are important. I thought last week was a difficult one (three fixtures including Aberdeen and Ross County away).”
“I’m seeing things in training that I am pleased with. Today is the best we’ve trained since I’ve come back so hopefully, that is a sign for the coming games.”
Rise
Could this be a case of the impact of the pressure getting to the players? Possibly. It will have a bearing, but like they showed in the comeback wins against Hibs and Aberdeen, there is a determination within this side. It’s just a pity that it often takes a downturn within a game for it to emerge.
Beale is still waiting for a truly dominating performance and scoreline to reflect it. There’s no time like the present and the demanding platform of Ibrox to secure it, when Motherwell visit on Wednesday in the last game of 2022.